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Top 15 Athletes That Smoke

It is common site to see actors, musicians and other celebrities in the entertainment industry spark up a cigarette or possibly even a cigar, but not so much professional athletes. In order to excel in their sport, athletes need to be at the pinnacle of good health and smoking of course will not work in their favor. Even if a professional athlete wanted to smoke, there is a high chance that their manager/coach or the organization will not allow it, so it will have to be kept a secret if their nicotine cravings become out of control. On top of all this, professional athletes are often put on a pedestal and are supposed to be positive role models for the youth of the world, and smoking is not something that an ideal role model will do.

Despite all this, there are many athletes who do enjoy the occasional cigarette or cigar, or at least have been spotted smoking (often on a night out). Sometimes this will have landed them in some hot water, while other times there have been no repercussions and it may have been on a special occasion (such as winning a championship which many see as the perfect time to enjoy a cigar).

The debate on smoking is an interesting one in sport, and in particularly soccer where it seems to be most prevalent. On the one hand, athletes are only human and it is their own decision to make. However, as someone that millions around the world idolize and look up to, it is not a positive habit and athletes should be aware of the impact that they can have on youth.

Here are 15 athletes who are known to spark up either cigarettes or cigars.

8 Ricardo Mayorga

7 Jack Wilshere

6 Randy Moss

via complex.com

5 Mario Balotelli

via dailymail.co.uk

4 Alex Rodriguez

via complex.com

3 Wayne Rooney

via taddlr.com

2 Michael Jordan

via gamedayr.com

1 John Daly

via nbcchicago.com

The “bad boy” of golf, John Daly became famous for his rough and tumble lifestyle and not conforming to the typical golf club appearance. In addition to his striking clothing, Daly also was overweight and would both drink and smoke heavily (including on the course). Golf is a sport which does not require competitors to be in fantastic physical condition, but most will still take care of their bodies (and some will exercise as strenuously as other athletes). This was never Daly’s style, who would overindulge too much and would require lap-band surgery in 2009. Whilst he has curbed his drinking, smoking is his vice and he smokes around 40 a day.